Andy from Bolivia

Hello everyone,

It's been a few weeks since I've written but they've been busy and full of travel and adventure. I updated my blog from Lima through Ica/Huacachina and down the coast to Arequipa, Peru where I did a trek in the Colca Canyon. Then it was on to Puno and crossing the border into Bolivia. I'm going to come back and experience Cuzco and Machu Picchu in a few months when it's the dry season. I wanted to get to La Paz to start my volunteer work. I found an organization that has 7 houses and a hospital and whose work is primarily for orphans and abandoned street kids. I have a second meeting with the director on Monday morning because walk-ins are normally not accepted to volunteer. They are a German organization and their 27 volunteers are from Europe, none from the US or Canada. But the priest said he was impressed with me and would make an exception to the norms. They have more than 300 applications every year for twenty-some volunteer spots so I feel lucky to be accepted to help out. The director is from Poland so I feel like I have an advantage there!

I will write more about Bolivia soon on my blog. So far I'm very impressed with everything. At the risk of offending my Peruvian friends I have to be honest though and say that I really like it here. Certain things are much better...the food, the capital city, the general cleanliness (no heaps of trash as in Peru!) and some other things. The geography of Bolivia is similar to Peru in some ways although there is no coastline and desert environment. Much more to come. Those who wrote, thanks. It's always nice to hear from home. Hope Spring comes to you soon. Here it's sunny almost every day and the rainy season is just about over. I'm looking forward to exploring more of Bolivia too.

God bless and all the best from La Paz,

Andrew